Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-03-18

piled, "but, really, | don't think l
could sleep in a made-up bed So
many years as I've slept in hammock
at sea, and on the ground under the
trees in foreign lands, and in the fence
corners and in hay-lofts in my own
country. have just about untitled me
for sleeping like Christian. in Il clean
bed. Your husband can show me the
way to the barn. and I'll warrant that
/ get Il nights rest there"
Mrs. Seymour left him sitting there
when she had removed the dishes and
gone into the sitting-room. The SER
want girl and the two hired men look
ed into the kitchen, and. seeing who
was its occupant. withdrew. The brief
evening passed; Mr.. Seymour, accord
ing TO his usual custom, had offered up
his evening family prayer. and he then
sang hymn, while his wife accompan-
led him on the organ.
What is that?" he asked when he
had finished. Both listened, and heard
the tramp in the kitchen singing verse
of the same hymn.
"He is queer fellow said the
wife. ''lIe refused my offer of bed
over the kitchen, and wants you to
show him the hay-mow. He said he
had been sailor. and couldn't sleep
in bed. And to hear him singing
that Ia mn oftpr yonf'
Mr.. Seymour started ut her words.
and walked the floor. Then, remark
ing that he would 90 and show him
his bed in the barn, he left the room.
His wife was wearied with the house.
hold labors of the long summer day,
and retired to bed Before her hus-
band returned she was sleeping sound
".
There was no sleep for Wellington
Seymour on that long-remcmbered
night. The face and the voice Of the
tramp eflectually drove slumber from
his pillow, wearied rs he was. When
he showed him to his nest in the barn
he had asked his name but the man
shook his head.
Nance he cried. what should /
want of u name? Names are for people
who can honor them. suppose had
one, once; but have pretty near for
gotten it y
The farmer walked the floor of the
stting-room for an hour, trying to com
pose himself. and to drive that face and
that voice from his mind. The effort
was useless. but il so added To his ex-
haustion that he hoped he might sleep.
The clock struck twelve. and after
that. one; but Mr.. Seymour still lay
awake.
Exhausted in body and mind. he rose
and went out into the open air There
was brilliant harvest moon in the
heavens, and he saw from the side
piazza dark figure moving slowly
down the hillside back of the house
and across the fields. He watched the
movements of this figure. and was sur
prised 10 see it advancing straight to-
ward his outbuildings. When the man
was hidden from sight behind the barn.
Mr.. Seymour cautiously darted out to
reconnoiter. He placed his hand on tie
mans arm just as he was entering the
barn. l. was the tramp.
What does this mean, sirf" he
sternly demanded.
/ ~ L.. l.. - Il.
I'm neither house-breaker nor barn
| burner, assure You. But-many years
ago | used to know this neighborhood.
and / haven't seen it for thirty years.
couldn't sleep a wink tonight. and
started to rove around-for that's my
| disposition. I've been all over your
farm. and a fine place it is And | see
you have cemetery up there on the
hill. It's your first wife, take it, and
your two children who are buried
there.
Yes"
Then yog We seen sorrow as well Is
prosperity"
God knows | have" Seymour an
swered. with ii great sob. my very
heart-strings were torn by the loss OF
the three who I'll those graves
well, we'll life is pretty much the
same-sorrow everywhere. Goodnight
and, for that matter good-by. l shall
be out of your hay-mow and on the
road long before you are up"
Mr.. Seymour 5 face showed great sur
prise, and not only surprise, but relief.
He eyed the man sharply for mo.
ment. and then thrust his hand into his
pocket.
Here is five dollars" he said. Take
it; you are welcome TO it.
The tramp took the money. He
waited until the farmer was out of
sight, and then threw it down and
stamped on it, while something like an
oath broke from his lips. Presently he
grew calmer, picked up the money. and
| nut IL in his rocket and clambered up